The Godfather's Corleone family is in a weird position in America. Technically, they're rich and they enjoy lots of political influence. But they're also perceived as interlopers, as a threatening and alien presence, since they make their living through crime.
In order to make their way in America, they refuse to climb the social ladder in a legal way, because they feel like the system isn't really going to work in their favor. So they manage to achieve status for themselves—but it's not the best kind of status, given that it's marked by tons o' bloodshed. Vito wanted Michael to be able to attain a more legit version of status, becoming an honest senator or governor, but the business he (Vito) has created ends up sucking his son in.
Questions about Society and Class
- Do the Corleones need to use illegal tactics to advance themselves socially in America? Or could they have succeeded legitimately?
- How far can a mobster actually advance socially? Is there a limit? How about in today's society?
- Do you think crime actually can pay, in terms of gaining more social status? Or is there always a comeuppance?
- Is there anything admirable about the way the Corleones try to advance themselves? Or are they entirely reprehensible? Explain.
Chew on This
"The rich are different from you and I"—F. Scott Fitzgerald
"Yes, they have more money"—Ernest Hemingway (responding to Fitzgerald)